Paint Sales Outpace UK Economy

Robust coatings sales in the UK outperformed that nation’s overall economy in the fourth quarter of 2013, the British Coatings Federation has announced.

Sales volumes in the fourth quarter of 2013 were up 7 percent versus 2012, "significantly outperforming the overall output numbers for the economy in the same period," the organization said.

The decorative and industrial sectors were especially hot, according to BCF. The organization said that the UK economy was turning a corner, although sales in the printing ink and wallcoverings sectors remained "subdued."

Both the industrial and decorative paint sectors boomed in Q4 of 2013, according to BCF.

"The British Coatings Federation statistics provide a unique barometer for the UK economy, and overall, we are outperforming the general manufacturing output numbers with this performance, which should warm the hearts of even the most pessimistic amongst us," said Tom Bowtell, BCF's CEO.

By Sector

In the industrial sector, the last five out of six months saw increases, after a difficult start in 2013. Paint sold by liter was up 9 percent in December and 2.5 percent for the fourth quarter.

The industrial sector was "broadly in line" with growth in UK manufacturing output, which is showing steady growth, according to BCF.

The decorative sector saw trade paint sales increase for eight months in a row. Volumes in the fourth quarter were up 11 percent compared to 2012, boosted by continued recovery in the housing and construction markets.

In general, decorative paint sales are similar to the construction products market, which has seen increased growth recently and where the outlook "remains upbeat" for 2014.

Additionally, consumer confidence has improved and is reflected in the retail paint sector, which saw a 5 percent increase in the last quarter.